Lintisite is a very rare silicate mineral typically found in hyperagpaitic pegmatites of the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs. Collectors usually search for its small, prismatic colorless to pale yellow crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals in syenite complexes.
Is this lintisite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch lintisite with a known reference. Lintisite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lintisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lintisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Lintisite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lintisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lintisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃(Na,Li,Ca)₂(Ti,Fe)₂Si₄O₁₂O₂(OH,F)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.89 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {101}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find lintisite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lintisite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lintisite?+
Where is lintisite found?+
How much is lintisite worth?+
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Find lintisite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
